UK to host Eurovision song contest in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine

BBC says programme will have glorious Ukraine at its heart', with cities invited to bid to host event

The Eurovision song contest will be hosted in the UK next year after Ukraine's public broadcaster dropped its objections and agreed to work with the BBC on the event.

Ukraine won this year's Eurovision with the song Stefania by Kalush Orchestra, earning the right to host the 2023 edition. However, organisers concluded this could not be done safely while the country was at war with Russia - angering the Ukrainian government, which said it had submitted a workable safety plan.